ISLAMABAD – The research arm of the University of Tennessee has filed a lawsuit against artificial intelligence company Anthropic, accusing it of infringing patents related to neural networks and machine-learning technology. The complaint, filed in the US District Court for the District of Delaware, alleges that Anthropic’s artificial intelligence systems unlawfully use technology protected under patents owned by the University of Tennessee Research Foundation (UTRF).
About the patented technologies
According to the lawsuit, the patents represent significant innovations in artificial intelligence, machine learning, neuromorphic computing and neuroscience-inspired computing. Professors at the University of Tennessee developed the patented technologies, which remain protected under US patent law.
The foundation argued that Anthropic’s alleged disregard for intellectual property extends beyond copyright issues and includes patented AI technologies.
“Anthropic’s cavalier approach to others’ intellectual property rights in the development of its products extends beyond the use of copyrighted material,” the complaint states. The university is seeking unspecified monetary damages and a court order preventing Anthropic from continuing the alleged patent infringement.
Anthropic and the University of Tennessee representatives
The lawsuit is believed to be the first patent infringement case filed against Anthropic. It comes shortly after a California federal judge approved the company’s $1.5 billion settlement in a class-action copyright lawsuit brought by authors over the use of their works for AI training.
The outcome of the case could become another closely watched legal battle in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence industry, where disputes over copyrights, patents and intellectual property continue to increase.
Key points:
- University of Tennessee Research Foundation has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Anthropic.
- The lawsuit alleges Anthropic’s AI systems violate two patents related to neural networks and machine learning.
- The case was filed in Delaware federal court.
- The university claims the patented technology covers AI, neuromorphic computing, and neuroscience-inspired computing.
- The foundation is seeking monetary damages and a court order preventing further alleged infringement.
- The lawsuit comes a day after a California judge approved Anthropic’s $1.5 billion copyright settlement involving authors.
